New York City mayoral candidate Christine Quinn ushered in the premiere of "Piers Morgan Live" on Monday evening and directly addressed the invalidated large soda ban, referred to by host Piers Morgan as "Soda Gate."

Over a 32 oz cup of diet coke, the current Speaker of the New York City Council applauded her boss, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, "for being probably the most aggressive mayor in the country around the issue of obesity."

"Obesity is an epidemic that has enormously significant health consequences," said Quinn. "And overall I think he's doing a really good job on that issue."

However, Quinn is not a supporter of the soda ban and noted that "my fear is that with issues around food and obesity if you say 'no' people almost have a reflex reaction to do it."

soundoff(21 Responses)

Tuberman

What Ever Happened to the Right to Choose ??? I thought I was in America & thats what its all about.. Politicians are well meaning BUT to take away the actual right to choose is unthinkable.Salt, soda, cigs etc..Our rights are being chipped away a little here and a little there.. Doesnt anyone see this? ..SAD COMMENTARY for this great nation as we move closer & closer to being no better than some of these other countries we have always in the past been so proud not to be like.

You don't really have "choice" when the only vending machine in the high schools offers coca cola instead of apples. Don't be foolish. Companies make money on selling junk food to the harm of the population. Quinn just lost my vote. Shame on you Quinn.

If a politician would try to ban or restrict the size of a soft drink, what do you think they would ban if they have real power? Bloomberg is a dangerous man. BUT!! The real issue is Piers Morgan, a narcissistic self promoting buffoon who should be put on a leaky boat and sent back to England.

The soda ban is ridiculous but more than that is the idea that if we allow government to pass an ordinance that allows them to make our decisions for us, it will be easier for them to butt in whenever they want more control and take further advantage of our freedoms. " Give them an inch, and they will take a mile!"

People, think about this and be very clear about where this will take us. It is just the beginning. Government, back off and back out. You need to do what we tell YOU to do, not the other way around.

Cathy, in all due respect, the "choice" that you believe you are making is really a "choice" that the cola company has decided already for you. Government's role is to protect the people from company's run amuck. Why do you think they don't put cocaine in cola? Because government says it's not good for the people. Clearly, 32oz drinks lead to diabetes, higher health insurance costs for the populace, and obese citizens.

Gun Control: Guns, explosive devices, pipe bombs, virtually any type of destructive device can be built from scratch. Directions and plans can be found on the internet to help anyone interested, build one. There are many household products can be mixed to cause explosions. Heck put gas in a bottle and stick a rag in the end of it – that is dangerous! What is my point? No matter how many laws you put in place to stop gun violence, or to prevent people from causing harm to others, it can not be done! The best and most logical way to protect our society is to impose severe consequences for those that harm others for reasons other than self defense, PERIOD! Do not let government get a foot hold in taking away our freedoms, no matter how insignificant they may seem at the time. For instance, banning large soda drinks......

If there is someone out there that wants to hurt someone, they will find a way. Banning guns will NOT even begin to deter those determined to harm someone. A gun ban does nothing to protect regular citizens. It just puts guns in the hands of the bad guys. Besides, when surveying the methods of murder, being shot is probably the least painful. When you think about it alternative methods are much bleaker.

Americas tax dollars would be better spent by attacking the complicated and critically serious mental health challenge. We have completely failed, here. We have ignored the issue.

Never agree to allow government to take away any freedom, no matter how trivial the ban may seem. It is never okay!

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